Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Circulating Adiponectin and Inflammatory Makers in Obese Middle-Aged Women

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exercise intensity may induce changes in inflammatory markers and adipocytokines. However, it is not clear whether acute exercise-induced change to adiponenctin is associated with inflammatory markers and other adipocytokines in obese middle-aged individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on circulating adipocytokines and inflammatory markers in obese middle-aged women. METHODS: Using a crossover design, 10 obese middle-aged women (aged 48.4+/-5.1 years; body mass index 29.6+/-2.9 kg/m2) exercised on the treadmill at different durations and velocities at 60% and 80% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in order to equalize energy expenditure (400 kcal). Blood samples were drawn to measure glucose, insulin, fibrinogen, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin concentrations. RESULTS: Glucose, fibrinogen, and hsCRP increased significantly (P<0.05) after exercise whereas homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance decreased significantly (P<0.05). Adiponectin, leptin, and TNF-alpha levels did not change significantly at immediate postexercise, and there were also no significant time x intensity interactions for all variables. The percentage change in adiponectin concentration from baseline to the end of exercise correlated with the percentage change in leptin concentration (r=-0.642, P<0.05) with 60% VO2max exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that, in obese middle-aged women, neither 60% nor 80% VO2max exercise alters adiponectin concentration, in spite of the changes to insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. However, after acute moderate exercise, adiponectin concentration may be associated with the change in leptin levels.